RAYMARINE - DSM 300 problems

[B Cartlidge]

I've been very unhappy with my Raymarine C-120 since the day I had it installed on my center console. I like the actual unit and how easy it is to use, but I've had constant problems with it.

While the sounder worked for a few weeks with little problem, things have gone down hill ever since. My radar sometimes doesn't even work. Lots of times it cuts out at the most important times leaving me in uncomfortable/dangerous positions.

The "DSM connection lost" alarm constantly goes off and my sounder does not work due to "no data source." I've heard all of the horror stories, done my research, played with the unit and owner's manual and have had no luck.

I can't afford to send the DSM back to the factory in the middle of the summer in fear of not getting it back for weeks. Atleast right now, sometimes my radar works.

I installed the latest and greatest software update and nothing has improved with my problems.

I used to lose my sounder pretty much only when starting my engines (understandable due to voltage issues) but now this no data source has got me really confused. The "DSM connection lost" alarm is quite irritating too. The status light on my DSM is orange (blinking) and sometimes straight green (inconsistantly).

I'm open to all ideas...thanks for any help in advance.

[tunatango123]

all of us that have raymarine feel your pain. I have had the same issues with DSM. If the dsm is going bad, I.E. solder connections inside, cable failure which has happened, then there is no fix except for the cable.

The only other thing I can suggest is look at your power connections (no spade connectors), make sure they are under ring terminals and they are solid connections and if there are any splices make sure there is no corrosion. voltage is crazy tempermental with the units. I am getting furuno or simrad on the next boat.

[Deep C]

I had issues too many to count (actually 86 in a year) with our E120... On "the other site" I used to be on... Free Spirit over there was repping for them and got my story kicked up the ladder all the way to the top. They sent a man from Boston to basically replace every single component in our system...

I'm no longer at that site but see if you can contact him... He genuinely cared...

[B Cartlidge]

Thanks for the responses and e-mails. I appreciate it. Keep any thoughts coming this way please.

[B Cartlidge]

Thanks for the responses guys. I appreciate it.

Steve Bent (Free Spirit Charters) is a class act and is extemely knowledgeable with Raymarine electronics, power issues, and boats in general. You can tell that he has been in the industry for awhile, and I know why he is still around and busy today even in these tough economic times. Due to his help, I've been able to determine that my problem is simply related to power, or lack thereof.

I can't say enough good things about Steve and his willingness to help someone that he does not know or is not making any money off of.

I'm going to get this issue solved with a battery charger or maybe an additional battery if need be.

Thanks again to everyone and especially Steve for going way above and beyond the call of duty.